Becoming a Christian authentic self in a postmodern world

Abstract

Despite postmodern declarations regarding the death of the self and the dissolution of meaning associated with authenticity, this dissertation argues that the process of becoming a Christian authentic self remains a viable and important concept for pastoral theologians and pastoral counselors. Integrating the thought of Heinz Kohut, S¿ren Kierkegaard, and Catherine Keller, this project maintains that the movement toward a Christian authentic self involves living creatively in the midst of the tensions between individuality and relationality, wholeness and manyness, and freedom and its limitations. To live in this tension requires a courageous choice to let go and trust in God.